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Oil Change in John’s Island, SC
Despite what the Jetsons would have you believe, automobiles like cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans are still a necessity in modern times. Whether you use your vehicle as a daily driver for running errands or as a weekend canyon carver, you rely on your automobile to get things done. But what happens when, out of the blue, your car quits working?
Imagine this: Your spouse is tied up with work, so you've got to pick up your kids and their friends from soccer practice. Suddenly, you hear a loud noise under the hood of your car. A yellow light comes on in your car's dashboard near the speedometer. You step on the gas to accelerate a little but get no response. You're not sure what's going on, but you do know that you've got to find a safe place to pull over. After a few minutes, smoke starts coming out of your engine bay, and you know you've got a serious problem on your hands. What could it be? And then, it dawns on you - it's been years since you had an oil change. Because of that, you've got to have a friend take your children and their friends back home while you wait for a tow truck to haul your vehicle away.
Scenarios like these are quite common in South Carolina. The truth is that it's easy to forget about having your oil changed in our fast-paced society, packed full of work obligations and after-school activities. Fortunately, having an oil change service is easy when A+ Auto Service is right down the road.
The Premier Oil Change Auto Shop in John’s Island, SC
As a family-owned, independent oil change provider, we're proud to have served drivers with reliable car service and oil changes for more than 20 years. We are a full-service automotive shop that does everything from routine maintenance to major car repairs to engine and transmission rebuilds. We started off in 2004 as a Major Repair Auto Shop and made it through the 2008 recession, though it hit us very hard. We were able to rebuild and come back stronger in 2010 by adding more services and becoming a true full-service auto shop.
After growing our North Charleston location for the past 16 years, we decided it was time to expand and better serve the Lowcountry. In January 2019, we bought our Summerville location on Old Trolley Rd. With a limited budget and three months of labor-intensive work, we opened our doors with a new slogan: "Your Dealer Alternative."
When we say we're your car dealer alternative, we mean it. Car dealerships are notorious for long waits, shotty repair ability, high prices, and poor customer service. That's why, at A+ Auto, we prioritize hard work, quality repairs, fair pricing, and excellent customer service. Because, at the end of the day, that's the way we'd want to be treated if we needed an oil change in The Palmetto State.
As a family-owned and operated auto mechanic shop in Charleston, we are proud to serve the Lowcountry. After all, you're our neighbors, and neighbors must look out for one another. Swing by our shop to see the A+ Auto difference. We think you'll like what you see!
Here's Why Cars Need Oil to Function
The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts in your engine. There are many intricate and high-speed components that make up an engine, many of which need oil. They need oil to operate smoothly and minimize the effects of friction and wear. It might sound hard to believe, but sometimes, the only thing preventing engine parts from grinding together is a small amount of engine lubricant.
Despite having proper oil levels, even a well-lubricated engine generates substantial amounts of heat. Another important function of engine oil is to help draw this heat away from your engine's components. By maintaining the correct temperatures, your vehicle will run smoothly. Without engine oil, the engine would rapidly seize and could potentially overheat.
Understanding why cars need oil to function is important. But you've also got to know how to check your oil levels to see if you need more. Consistent oil changes are essential for maintaining the reliability and optimal performance of your vehicle. Neglecting regular oil changes can result in severe repercussions for your car's health, potentially leading to complete engine failure if operated without sufficient oil. That's why, even if you can't do it on your own, it's smart to work with a professional oil change auto shop like A+ Auto for help.
When Do You Need to Change Your Car's Oil?
It used to be recommended to change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, but you might need to do it more or less often, depending on what your car manufacturer suggests. Always check your owner's manual for the recommended oil type, grade, and maintenance schedule. If a red oil light pops up on your dashboard, get your car checked right away because you could be dealing with low or no oil pressure or a serious oil leak.
Other Benefits of Engine Oil
Motor oil has evolved significantly since its initial use in the late 1800s. While its primary purpose remains to lubricate and cool engine parts, modern engine oils offer numerous additional benefits that enhance engine performance. Another role of motor oil is to help maintain engine cleanliness by filtering out dirt and other contaminants. Moreover, engine oil can contain various beneficial chemical compounds, known as additives, that can enhance its performance.
- A few common additives found in engine oil include
- Viscosity index boosters that improve oil performance under extreme temperatures
- Corrosion inhibitors that prevent rust from forming
- Dispersants to help remove sludge from your engine and prevent it from forming
A+ Auto Service Pro Tip
Despite what you may have heard, you can safely mix synthetic and regular (conventional) oil in your engine. That is, as long as they have the correct viscosity and meet the performance and quality specifications set by your vehicle's manufacturer. However, there are rare exceptions, such as some older Mazda rotary engines that do not allow the use of synthetic oils, so it's important to check your owner's manual first.
Regardless of the type of oil your car requires, it plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient engine operation. Plus, regular oil changes can help you save on gas by ensuring that engine parts are well-coated and protected from wear and tear.
Top 5 Reasons to Get an Oil Change in John’s Island, SC
A recent survey conducted by the Car Care Council revealed that 22% of vehicles are equipped with either low or contaminated engine oil. Taking proactive steps to change a vehicle's oil and filter can help ensure that the engine continues to operate at peak performance and can prevent drivers from incurring costly repairs in the future. Try comparing the average cost of a year's worth of oil changes (about $200) to the cost of damage caused by neglecting them ($4,000+). It's clear to see that having your car's oil changed regularly is hugely beneficial for your bank account.
Proper lubrication is essential for moving parts to prevent the creation of friction, which leads to the generation of heat. To avoid excessive friction and engine overheating, it is crucial to ensure that the oil is clean and at the right levels.
Imagine all the moving parts of your car's engine: its valves, pistons, and other parts moving at high speeds. If these parts are not properly lubricated with oil, they will generate a lot of heat and cause significant wear and tear on the engine. Consult the owner's manual to find out the exact viscosity and quality of oil that your vehicle needs, and make sure to maintain it at the recommended level.
When your engine isn't properly lubricated, it can consume more fuel than normal, so it's a good idea to ensure that your engine has enough clean oil. When you get an oil change to replace your dirty oil, it can improve your gas mileage by 1-2%. That doesn't sound like much, but for the average driver, it can mean big savings over time.
Dirt can be extremely harmful to engines. With time, dirt can lead to corrosion and reduce an engine's lifespan. Furthermore, as time passes, oil deteriorates and transforms into "sludge." The key is to maintain a clean engine. Regular oil and filter changes aid in eliminating particles and sludge, ensuring that engines remain in optimal condition.
You don't have to be a graduate from Charleston Collegiate School in John’s Island, SC to know that routine car maintenance makes your vehicle last longer. Contaminant buildup from old oil reduces a car's fuel efficiency and performance and causes its internal parts to experience increased strain. Plus, an overworked engine is more likely to develop issues and have a shorter lifespan in the long run. Why deal with those problems when you can help prevent them with an oil change from A+ Auto Service?
The Right Oil at a Price You Can Afford
Now that you understand why oil and oil changes are so important, you may be looking for reliable oil change services. Head to your local A+ Auto Service for a quality oil change and learn why so many South Carolina drivers trust our professional technicians to service their vehicles.
Oil Change Myth #1: Thicker Oil is Best for Your Engine
During the 1960s, when classic Camaros and majestic Mustangs dominated the drag strips, there might have been some truth to this. The clearances between engine parts were not as precise as they are today, and a thicker oil might have assisted in reducing certain types of engine wear. However, back then, it was mainly the anti-wear additives in the oil that offered proper protection in other types of engine wear - such as in the valve train - rather than the viscosity itself.
Using motor oil that is too thick nowadays could, at best, lower engine efficiency. At worst, it could impede proper lubrication (especially on cold mornings), affect the performance of certain engine parts that depend on oil pressure as a hydraulic fluid, and result in even greater engine wear. Some vehicles may display an illuminated check engine light if the wrong viscosity oil is used. This means that many newer vehicles necessitate lower viscosity grades to accommodate tighter tolerances and deliver improved fuel economy.
The bottom line is that thicker oil doesn't equal better. If your engine is stock, you should read your owner's manual to find out your oil recommendations.
Oil Change Myth #2: Black Oil = Immediate Oil Change in John’s Island, SC
It's a common belief that you should change your oil when it turns black, but it might not always be necessary. The darkening of engine oil occurs naturally due to oxidation from heating cycles. The detergents and dispersants in engine oil work to clean the engine by absorbing soot, carbon, and other combustion byproducts, which also darkens your oil.
Although changing your oil before it's time to do so isn't inherently harmful, it could hurt your wallet. Ultimately, black engine oil can be a natural occurrence and a sign that it's doing its job effectively. The best course of action is to change your engine oil and oil filter according to your vehicle manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule.
Oil Change Myth #3: You Must Get an Oil Change Before Road Tripping
Whether you're driving to see Stono River County Park near John’s Island, SC or you're traveling to see family, road-tripping is one of the most fun and exciting ways to enjoy your vehicle. According to some drivers, though, you've got to change your oil before embarking on a long road trip. While it is important to ensure your vehicle is in good condition before a lengthy drive, changing your oil beforehand isn't always needed.
If your oil change interval indicates that there are still many miles left before needing service, you should be OK. However, it's still a good idea to check and make sure your oil levels are where they should be before road-tripping. If your car is scheduled for an oil change shortly after you return, you can probably wait until you get back from your trip. In any case, there's really no downside to getting your oil changed early - if it gives you peace of mind, go ahead and do it.
Superb Oil Change Service in John’s Island, SC, Starts with A+ Auto
You may be on the fence about getting an oil change, but the consequences of not doing so can be horrible. At best, you'll experience diminished performance and gas mileage. At worst, you or a member of your family could end up in Dayspring Assisted Living of Johns Island in John’s Island, SC because your engine failed and you got in a car wreck.
Why risk your safety when you can swing by A+ Auto every few thousand miles for a quality oil change? You'll benefit from a healthier car, and you won't have to wait for hours on end like you would at a dealership. Plus, you'll be treated with the care, compassion, and professionalism that only a local auto repair shop can provide. Contact A+ Auto to schedule your oil change service and learn more about why we're the Lowcountry's top choice for reliable auto repairs.
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Latest News in John’s Island, SC
The Heyday is a new café with cocktails on tap and a fire pit now open on Johns Island
Chelsea Grinstead cgrinstead@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/food/now_open/the-heyday-restaurant-johns-island-charleston-sc/article_174b047f-1229-428b-9b23-0928057daeb8.html
A new island café and bar on Johns Island is now open daily serving those who need a quick morning caffeine kick or an evening snack on the patio.The Heyday is a new eatery born from a love of the sea island lifestyle, embodying quintessential Lowcountry culture, said owner James Groetzinger.Open seven days a week, ...
A new island café and bar on Johns Island is now open daily serving those who need a quick morning caffeine kick or an evening snack on the patio.
The Heyday is a new eatery born from a love of the sea island lifestyle, embodying quintessential Lowcountry culture, said owner James Groetzinger.
Open seven days a week, The Heyday offers a brunch and supper menu centered on farm-to-table produce, fresh seafood and local purveyors. The counter-serve restaurant will have a full bar with cocktails on tap, along with a wraparound porch and fire pit.
“The design and feel of the space is that of a classic Charleston café with modern coastal touches, an ode to the historic farmlands of Johns Island with a fresh perspective,” said Groetzinger, owner of Island Provisions, a daytime café with locations on Johns Island and in downtown Charleston.
Menu highlights include the asparagus and goat cheese frittata for brunch and the grits and creamed collards with crispy flounder for supper.
“We got our she crab recipe from an old cookbook from some church ladies on Wadmalaw,” Groetzinger said, and guests can’t go wrong with the baked clams and spring salad specials.
The new restaurant, which Groetzinger designed and constructed, opened Jan. 24 in the 16-acre Hayes Park mixed-use development, joining Somm Wine Bar, High Steaks Butcher Shop and others.
“Hayes Park has several new businesses that are locally owned, as well as 56 townhomes for sale,” he said. “So we have actual homeowners on-property. It is meant to be a little village.”
Limehouse Bridge to add multi-use path, connecting Johns Island to downtown Charleston
Claire Weberhttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/limehouse-bridge-to-add-multi-use-path-connecting-johns-island-to-downtown-charleston
Traffic relief in sight for Highway 17 and Main Road, pedestrian bridge on hold (WCIV)0CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Limehouse Bridge on Johns Island will soon have bike and pedestrian access.Charleston County Council approved a multi-million-dollar project Tuesday night to widen the existing bridge and build a nearly three-mile multi-use path.A proposed standalone bike and pedestrian bridge was removed from the project last year because the county didn’t have the resources to maintain it long term,...
Traffic relief in sight for Highway 17 and Main Road, pedestrian bridge on hold (WCIV)
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CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Limehouse Bridge on Johns Island will soon have bike and pedestrian access.
Charleston County Council approved a multi-million-dollar project Tuesday night to widen the existing bridge and build a nearly three-mile multi-use path.
A proposed standalone bike and pedestrian bridge was removed from the project last year because the county didn’t have the resources to maintain it long term, according to Herbert Nimz, engineering manager with Charleston County.
The nearly 10-foot-wide path for walkers and bikers won’t just get them from Johns Island to West Ashley. Officials said it will easily take people as far as downtown Charleston.
“It will also connect to the existing Glenn McConnell multi-use path, it'll connect to the West Ashley Greenway and ultimately take folks all the way to the planned connections to the Maryville Bikeway and then the Ashley River bicycle and pedestrian bridge,” said Katie Zimmerman, executive director of Charleston Moves.
READ MORE | "Chas. County to vote on alternative bike and pedestrian options for Main Road project."
After six months of brainstorming options, Charleston County engineers say they’re using Wonders Way on the Ravenel Bridge as inspiration.
The path will have eight-foot-tall barriers alongside traffic and the edge of the bridge, and officials say the number of travel lanes for cars will stay the same.
“It was never our intent to reduce vehicular traffic on the bridge. It was only to also accommodate cyclists and pedestrians,” Nimz said.
Funding for the widening of the bridge is coming from the county’s transportation sales tax.
READ MORE | "Traffic relief in sight for Highway 17 and Main Road, pedestrian bridge on hold."
Nimz said the project’s price tag is a fraction of the original cost.
“This option we're looking at is anywhere from $8 to $10 million,” he shared. “The standalone bridge itself was going to cost $40 million.”
Zimmerman said the county and South Carolina Department of Transportation’s move from a stand-alone bridge to the lane widening makes her hopeful about other stalled projects across the area.
“We've been having conversations for a long time around the North Bridge. We're still working with the county and the cities and the state a little bit on that,” she explained.
A construction timeline for Limehouse Bridge is still unknown, but Nimz said crews can likely be seen in the area as soon as this week.
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He said they hope to complete the project in four years.
City leaders to look at plan honoring 400-year-old Johns Island Angel Oak Tree
Carlie Bakerhttps://www.live5news.com/2025/04/07/city-leaders-look-plan-honoring-400-year-old-johns-island-angel-oak-tree/
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A plan to highlight the beloved 400-year-old Angel Oak Tree and its surrounding land on Johns Island is being brought to city officials for approval to move forward.The Lowcountry Land Trust has been working on its initiative called the Angel Oak Preserve to unite the nine-acre City of Charleston property, where the Angel Oak Tree sits, with the surrounding 35 acres that the land trust owns.The goal is to create a community gathering space where visitors can learn more about the significance of the A...
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A plan to highlight the beloved 400-year-old Angel Oak Tree and its surrounding land on Johns Island is being brought to city officials for approval to move forward.
The Lowcountry Land Trust has been working on its initiative called the Angel Oak Preserve to unite the nine-acre City of Charleston property, where the Angel Oak Tree sits, with the surrounding 35 acres that the land trust owns.
The goal is to create a community gathering space where visitors can learn more about the significance of the Angel Oak Tree and the history of the site, all while preserving the land that was once threatened by development.
The land trust is proposing the addition of a welcome center on the property it owns, which would be placed at a safe distance away from the Angel Oak to protect the tree’s root system.
Liollio Architecture Principal Jay White says that their goal is to build as little as possible, as the importance of this initiative lies in preserving the Angel Oak Tree.
“When you drive up into the parking lot, you’ll be parking amongst the forestry landscape and if you come through the welcome center, which is really very modest, it’s about the size of a modest house and it provides restrooms, and offices for the staff, a gift shop of course and a gathering space for interpretive exhibits,” White says.
The project is estimated to cost $12 million. The land trust is about halfway to its goal and plans to continue to receive support through public and private donations.
“The Angel Oak is such a powerful symbol, so we envision this project as hopefully an ambassador site where other local communities can learn from it and replicate it, so it really stands as that deep connection between people and conservation and the community and the efforts to protect this tree. Also speak to the resilience of the communities who have lived for so long in relationship to this land,” Angel Oak Preserve Director at the Lowcountry Land Trust, Samantha Siegel, says.
Currently, there is a gift shop located on the nine-acre property that the city owns. The proposed plan includes tearing that down and moving it into the new welcome center, as it is located on top of the roots of the Angel Oak Tree.
Visitors also currently use Angel Oak Road to drive down and park to see the tree, but White says they plan to move parking further away and have guests approach the tree on foot, ensuring the preservation and well-being of the tree.
White says they plan to add walking trails for visitors to follow as they exit the welcome center, which will take them through the forested area before reaching the Angel Oak Tree.
White says once visitors reach the tree they plan to have an elevated wooden boardwalk surrounding it that will keep people off the tree to protect it.
He says that they will also highlight ecological footprints that archaeologists have found near the tree that were once the location of slave cabins. Plans also include a nature play area for children as well as outdoor classrooms where guests who come for tours can learn more about the tree and the site.
“It’s just going to be a really special, sacred place. It already is, but it’s going to be even more special, and we will really be able to honor the tree the way it should be. I think it’s a perfect example of a place where the culture and the ecology work together to create this magic,” Siegel says.
The public will still be able to access the Angel Oak Tree for free. There may be times when visitor traffic is busy and they might do a time slot system, but it would still remain free to guests.
White says once they get final approval they expect it will take about a year to build the welcome center and its features.
The City of Charleston’s Design Review Board will meet on Monday to vote on conceptual approval of the welcome center. If approved, it will have to move forward for preliminary and final approval.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Construction will soon start on project that could alleviate traffic for Johns Island and West Ashley
Maddy Quon mquon@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/charleston-johns-island-main-road-highway-17/article_2f6dd0fe-f917-11ef-8811-17bf1611f500.html
Charleston County is set to begin construction on a project that will alleviate traffic for West Ashley and Johns Island residents, officials told residents at the first quarterly update meeting for the road improvements March 13.The project encompasses a number of improvements to help with traffic including construction of flyovers at the intersection of Main Road and U.S. Highway 17, an interchange at Main Road and Highway 17 for drivers who want to avoid the intersection, a bridge over CSX Railroad, a roundabout at the intersection...
Charleston County is set to begin construction on a project that will alleviate traffic for West Ashley and Johns Island residents, officials told residents at the first quarterly update meeting for the road improvements March 13.
The project encompasses a number of improvements to help with traffic including construction of flyovers at the intersection of Main Road and U.S. Highway 17, an interchange at Main Road and Highway 17 for drivers who want to avoid the intersection, a bridge over CSX Railroad, a roundabout at the intersection of Main, Chisholm and River roads, and a widening of Main Road from River and Chisholm roads to the interchange ramps.
The improvements were originally part of a bigger project for Main Road, from Bees Ferry Road to Betsy Kerrison Parkway. The project was then split into three segments, with this segment first estimated to cost $130 million in 2020.
This now $354 million project — the largest infrastructure project in Charleston County history — is funded by the 2016 half-cent transportation sales tax.
Herb Nimz, county project manager, said during the county's quarterly project meeting on March 13 that they're still in the permitting process, but have worked on securing right-of-way acquisition. They're also currently doing test piles, or assessing the strength and stability of the columns that will support the interchange and flyovers. Plans are in the works to relocate utilities, like Charleston Water System and Dominion Energy, before construction starts in May, he said.
Most of the road work on Main Road and Highway 17 will take place at night, but residents should still expect some backup during construction, Nimz said.
"It's going to get worse before it gets better," Nimz said.
Residents in West Ashley and on Johns Island who live around the roads slated for changes have mixed feelings.
Jacob Andrew, a Johns Island resident, said he's excited about how the road project will help with traffic.
"It’s going to work," he said. "They could get it 50 percent right, and it would be better than the way it is now."
However, he worries about how traffic volume will only continue to increase around where he lives off Main Road as more people continue to move to the Lowcountry.
Census data shows the population of Johns Island's specifically surged from roughly 15,100 people in 2010 to almost 22,900 in 2021. More than 25,000 people are estimated to live on the island today.
The county will most likely be back to the drawing board in 10 years to come up with another solution, Andrew said.
Andrew is also unhappy the county cut plans for a bike and pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Limehouse Bridge that was previously included in the project. Nimz said he's met with the state Department of Transportation and is working to add at least a sidewalk to the bridge.
West Ashley resident Jamie Jacobs is looking forward to the changes, but worries congestion may remain as Main Road and Highway 17 are highly trafficked roads for people coming from West Ashley, Ravenel and Johns Island.
Ultimately, she said if the flyovers and interchange allow for commuters to no longer wait at the red light at the intersection of Main Road and Highway 17 for an hour, residents will be much happier.
Officials expect the project to be complete late September 2028.
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